"Zen and The Art of Making a Living", Laurence Boldt.  This isn't a book, it's a masterpiece.  My most beloved of career books, it really is a collection of insights, philosophy, career strategies and introspective exercises and so much more.  I just love this book and find myself delving into it often. Be warned, it is quite a tome - but you needn't read it cover to cover. In fact, the author himself, suggests varying approaches to gleaning information from the book.  As a fan of Boldt's work, I also recommend his (much smaller) book called "How to Find the Work You Love". Visit Laurence Boldt's site at www.empoweryou.com

“What Should I Do With My Life? – The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question” , Po Bronson.  This book is a great read for those who are pondering this thought for themselves, or in the business of supporting and helping others.  Po’s own story is quite illuminating and inspiring, as he trained as a lawyer, but ended up a writer, with some amusing entrepreneurial ventures along the way.  The book is a compilation of stories of numerous real people - he interviewed and conducted research around the globe.   Check out Po’s site at www.pobronson.com

"The Elephant and the Flea", Charles Handy.  Charles Handy, the management guru, is a favourite author of mine.  He has written a number of books on the new world of work.  This book, subtitled "New Thinking for a New World" relates how individuals (the fleas) relate to multi-national companies (the elephants).  I just love this analogy, as it demonstrates how small individuals / "one-man-bands" can quickly manouevre and take advantage of niches in the marketplace.  Charles Handy has long been a proponent of the portfolio career and follows this example himself, with a blend of teaching, writing, consulting and travelling with his wife who is a photographer.   A very smart man with a voice of clarity, conviction and common sense.  Thoroughly recommended for those who like to understand the bigger picture of the world of work, or who are considering "going out on their own."